After-Story: Former Townsman A Teaches Piloting

"Allen, this is quite different from the gliders we’ve used until now. How do you make it fly?"

"Yeah. It’s a model I built specifically for training. Before we take off, I’ll walk you through the controls for this new version."

We were currently standing on the dry riverbed of a large, nearby river. Today was the day I had promised to teach Ana how to pilot a Wind Magic Glider, and a makeshift practice runway had been cleared along the banks for just this occasion.

I had begun the development of this trainer in earnest shortly after the decisive battle with Amy. It had finally reached a standard I considered a passing grade, so I’d brought Ana out to test it.

Utilizing my memories from my previous life and the technical knowledge I’d gained from Vuitol, I had designed this glider as a two-seater. Naturally, the seats were arranged side-by-side to make instruction easier. I weighed a few different designs, but for teaching purposes, this was definitely the right call. Since Ana has such high mana capacity, the fact that the fuselage is a bit larger—and thus requires more output from the Wind Magic Engine—shouldn't be a problem.

Additionally, the controls for the rudder and elevators were mechanical. It was a bit analog, but since Ana didn't possess the Alchemy skill, it was the only way. Of course, I had designed it so that I could override her inputs from the passenger seat using my own Alchemy, and in the worst-case scenario, we were both equipped with parachutes.

Still, the mechanical system gave me pause when it came to maintenance. We didn’t exactly have a team of qualified mechanics on hand, and I had to manufacture every replacement part myself. My father-in-law seemed to expect me to churn out a fleet of these gliders to bolster our military strength, but looking at it from a practical standpoint, that was going to be impossible for a while.

"So this is the control stick... I see. If I move it like this, this section of the wing goes down. That changes the airflow and points the nose up, which is why it’s called an elevator. And if I step on these pedals, this part moves... This changes the glider's direction, so it’s the rudder. It’s a fascinating mechanism."

Ana carefully confirmed each movement. She was as sharp as ever; she clearly understood the mechanics behind the classroom lectures I’d given her.

"Allen, I’ve memorized it. May I try a test flight?"

"Hold on a second. I’ll handle the takeoff and landing for now. Those are the most dangerous parts of piloting. Once we’re at a stable altitude, I’ll let you take the stick bit by bit."

"Understood."

Ana usually maintained a calm, composed exterior, but it was clear she had been looking forward to this. She was practically vibrating with excitement, like a child who couldn't wait to play with a new toy. It was adorable.

Keeping my thoughts to myself, I climbed in and buckled my seatbelt. Once I confirmed Ana was safely strapped in as well, I started the Wind Magic Engine. The trainer aircraft rattled and hummed as it accelerated down the riverbed before lifting softly into the air.

"Allen? Why can't we take off the way we did with Vuitol?"

"Actually, Vuitol is the outlier. This method is much more efficient. Vuitol stays airborne by blasting wind directly downward to lift its entire weight, but this model uses the lift generated by the wings."

"But I have nearly as much mana as you do, don't I?"

"You do, but Vuitol requires the simultaneous control of five separate engines. You can't manage that without Multi-Cast."

"I see... So taking off from the castle gardens is out of the question."

"For now, yeah. If I had more time for development, I might find a workaround."

"I suppose so. You’re a busy man, Allen. It can’t be helped."

Ana looked a little dejected, so I decided to change the subject.

"Look, we’ve reached cruising altitude. Want to take the controls?"

"Yes!" Her face lit up instantly.

"Alright, I’m handing control over to you. I’ll keep the Wind Magic Engine at a steady output, so just take it slow."

"Right. Leave it to me."

Wearing a massive grin, Ana gingerly gripped the stick. It looked like she wanted to try a climb.

"Oh!"

The nose tipped up, and the glider began to gain altitude.

"Allen! Look! This is amazing! I’m actually flying the glider!"

"Yeah, you're doing great."

In her excitement, her formal tone had completely slipped. Her eyes were sparkling with pure, unadulterated joy.

For a while after that, Ana enjoyed her first flight, banking the plane into wide turns and testing different altitudes. As she piloted the glider, she seemed as lively and carefree as a young girl. When I thought about the hardships she must have endured in her past, seeing her wear such a brilliant smile made me feel an overwhelming surge of affection for her.

The sunlight hitting her beautiful face gradually began to take on the orange hue of dusk. We had been enjoying ourselves for so long that we’d lost track of time.

"Ana. It's almost time to head back."

"Eh? Ah... I see. Is it that time already? Fun moments really do pass in the blink of an eye."

"They do. Are you ready?"

"Just one more turn, please."

Ana took the glider through one last wide arc before releasing the stick. She looked reluctant to stop, yet deeply satisfied.

Yeah, I’ll definitely have to bring her up here again.

With that thought in mind, I turned the nose toward the runway to begin our descent.